Q1-2, Facit #97-98vm1 [1917 1.98 and 2.12 öre Parcel Post surcharges] Mint (Q1 LH, Q2 NH) Fine 4-BLOCK SET with INVERTED WATERMARKS. While not scarce, fresh examples can be hard to find.
ACTUAL item.
15.00
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240929
Q1 "1.93" VARIETY, Facit #97v1 [1917 1.98 Parcel Post surcharge] Used VF/Superb 3-Strip with variety stamp on right stamp. The "8" of the overprint is significantly deformed and nearly looks like a "3". Facit calls it the 1.93 variety and places it as position 33 in the sheet. I have had so few examples (maybe 5?) in the last 46 years that I suspect that the damage to the overprint plate occurred sometime during the printing process and only exists from part of the printing. To the best of my knowledge, this variety was first reported by David Anderson (deceased) of Minnesota back in the 1970s or 1980s and through his almost-maddening perseverance the variety was confirmed as constant and became catalog listed. This variety example would be the nicest used single that I have had or seen and the only one I have had or seen in a used multiple. The stamp is much harder to find (mint or used) than the modest catalog value suggests; and in a used multiple it is extremely scarce.
ACTUAL item.
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Reference
For reference only. NOT for sale.
240930
Q1 Possible "1.93" VARIETY PRECURSOR, Facit #97v1?? [1917 1.98 Parcel Post surcharge] Used Average-Fine example showing damage to the "8" in the overprint, with part of the metal cliche breaking away; when fully broken away, I think this would look like the "1.93" variety. If my observation is correct, this would support my theory that the overprint plate damage occurred during the printing and thus only some of the sheets show the variety. This is the only such potential precursor example, mint or used, that I have ever seen or know about.
ACTUAL item.